DRASTIC ANTI-STRIKE MEASURE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 120, 7 February 1918, Page 5

DRASTIC ANTI-STRIKE MEASURE

NEW SOUTH WALES ARBITRATION BILL PROVISIONS OUTLINED Sydney, February 6. In tlio State Assembly, Mr. *G. S. Beeby, Minister of Labour, introduced the now Arbitration Bill. The Bill almost completely dispenses with wages boards, throwing the bulk of the work on an Industrial Court, the Judges of which will sit with assessors, who are to replace laymen. Special Courts are also to bo established throughout the Stato to deal with disputes in particular industries. The old system of preference is abandoned, and ib replaced by a clause giving preforenco to members of a union who, after the passing the. Act, .hare not taken part in a strike. The Court, at the end of each year, will declare a living wago for the succeeding year. The definition of a strike includes the ceasing of work by two 01 more employees in order to compel compliance with thoir claims. The penalty for an illegal strike is fixed at £500, and a similar, penalty is provided ; for a newspaper which instigates or aids a strike. The Bill also declares that no person or union shall declare any article "black" or publish a statement that an article is "black." The Bill was read a first time—Press Assn.